Cornwall Council announces road into Coverack expected to open next week

With recovery efforts still in full swing, the main road into Coverack is expected to open next week after devastating floods hit the small community, significantly ahead of the original projected timescales. The news was shared with residents at a meeting hosted by Cornwall Council and held at the Paris Hotel in Coverack this morning.

Councillor Geoff Brown, the Cabinet Member for Transport, told the meeting around 40 CORMAC staff had been working on repairing the damage caused by the floods since Tuesday evening. “It’s fantastic news that we expect to re-open the road into the village early next week. Subject to the weather we expect reconstruction work to be finished over the weekend, with the road resurfaced and open next week. “

100 tonnes of debris were cleared from the road through the village on Wednesday to allow access to the nursing home and enable people access to their properties. A further 250 tonnes of material was removed yesterday.

CORMAC teams have also been checking and clearing highways drains and culverts, as well as re grading private lanes to ensure that residents can access their properties.

Council Leader Adam Paynter also attended the residents meeting and acknowledged the efforts of all involved. “It has been truly impressive the way agencies, volunteers and the local community have pulled together. There have been some remarkable examples of individuals and organisations going over and above to help others, from local businesses donating goods and equipment to the many volunteer organisations who have pitched in to help.

“It’s fantastic news that the road is due to be re-opened earlier than expected and a real testament to CORMAC for their hard work and commitment. I am sure that no-one who saw the level of damage caused to the road would have thought that it could re open to traffic in a week.

“While a tremendous amount has been achieved over the past four days, there is still more to do - all the partners are working as a team to support the village and we will continue until all this work has been completed.

“I would specifically like to acknowledge the owners of the Paris Hotel who have generously allowed Council staff to use their premises as a base to meet with local residents”.

Local Cornwall Councillor Julian Rand has also been in the village to offer his help and support to those affected by the flooding and has praised the strength of community spirit and the support which has been provided by the agencies and voluntary organisations.

Council staff will remain at the Paris Hotel to provide advice and support to residents between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 22 and Sunday 24 July, as well as every day next week. People can also access assistance via the Council’s helpline 0800 731 3247.

Skips are available for rubbish and arrangements are now in place for people needing to dispose of larger household items such as sofas and carpets.

People wishing to volunteer can also contact the Council’s helpline on 0800 7313247. Council is working with Volunteer Cornwall to coordinate where help is most needed.

The Cornwall Community Foundation can provide financial assistance to affected residents needing immediate help. Details on how to access this can be obtained from the Community Link Officers or from the Cornwall Council helpline - 0800 731 3247.

Work has progressed on providing temporary parking on the outskirts of the village, and an Age UK Cornwall shuttle bus will be operating next week, from Monday 24 July, between the local Community Primary School field to the centre of the village between 9am and 4.30pm every day until the road is re-opened. We are very grateful to the school for letting us use their field and Age UK for responding so quickly.

Potential pollution from a broken sewer line remains a health concern. While there are no reported issues with mains supply drinking water, the breach of the main sewage line means the local streams and beach may be contaminated. Precautionary warning signs have been placed near the beach and two local streams while works are carried out to repair the breach.

People are advised not to go near the water and if they come in contact with the water to make sure they wash their hands and follow good hygiene practices. Precautions should also be taken with regards to pets and livestock.

Anyone who gets their drinking water from a private water supply such as a borehole, spring or well which has potentially been covered by floodwater is advised to look out for a change in water quality, such as the water becoming discoloured or there is a change in taste or smell, should assume the water is unsafe to drink unless boiled and should continue to use boiled water for drinking and bathing until the supply has been tested and shown to be safe.

People with private drainage such as septic tank or cess pits are also being advised to have them checked to ensure that they are still operating correctly after the floods.

The Council’s website has useful information on flood recovery www.cornwall.gov.uk/coverack and we will be posting updates specifically about what is happening in Coverack. For further information on the road reconstruction see CORMAC’s Coverack page which will be updated daily.

With recovery efforts still in full swing, the main road into Coverack is expected to open next week after devastating floods hit the small community, significantly ahead of the original projected timescales. The news was shared with residents at a meeting hosted by Cornwall Council and held at the Paris Hotel in Coverack this morning.

Councillor Geoff Brown, the Cabinet Member for Transport, told the meeting around 40 CORMAC staff had been working on repairing the damage caused by the floods since Tuesday evening. “It’s fantastic news that we expect to re-open the road into the village early next week. Subject to the weather we expect reconstruction work to be finished over the weekend, with the road resurfaced and open next week. “

100 tonnes of debris were cleared from the road through the village on Wednesday to allow access to the nursing home and enable people access to their properties. A further 250 tonnes of material was removed yesterday.

CORMAC teams have also been checking and clearing highways drains and culverts, as well as re grading private lanes to ensure that residents can access their properties.

Council Leader Adam Paynter also attended the residents meeting and acknowledged the efforts of all involved. “It has been truly impressive the way agencies, volunteers and the local community have pulled together. There have been some remarkable examples of individuals and organisations going over and above to help others, from local businesses donating goods and equipment to the many volunteer organisations who have pitched in to help.

“It’s fantastic news that the road is due to be re-opened earlier than expected and a real testament to CORMAC for their hard work and commitment. I am sure that no-one who saw the level of damage caused to the road would have thought that it could re open to traffic in a week.

“While a tremendous amount has been achieved over the past four days, there is still more to do - all the partners are working as a team to support the village and we will continue until all this work has been completed.

“I would specifically like to acknowledge the owners of the Paris Hotel who have generously allowed Council staff to use their premises as a base to meet with local residents”.

Local Cornwall Councillor Julian Rand has also been in the village to offer his help and support to those affected by the flooding and has praised the strength of community spirit and the support which has been provided by the agencies and voluntary organisations.

Council staff will remain at the Paris Hotel to provide advice and support to residents between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 22 and Sunday 24 July, as well as every day next week. People can also access assistance via the Council’s helpline 0800 731 3247.

Skips are available for rubbish and arrangements are now in place for people needing to dispose of larger household items such as sofas and carpets.

People wishing to volunteer can also contact the Council’s helpline on 0800 7313247. Council is working with Volunteer Cornwall to coordinate where help is most needed.

The Cornwall Community Foundation can provide financial assistance to affected residents needing immediate help. Details on how to access this can be obtained from the Community Link Officers or from the Cornwall Council helpline - 0800 731 3247.

Work has progressed on providing temporary parking on the outskirts of the village, and an Age UK Cornwall shuttle bus will be operating next week, from Monday 24 July, between the local Community Primary School field to the centre of the village between 9am and 4.30pm every day until the road is re-opened. We are very grateful to the school for letting us use their field and Age UK for responding so quickly.

Potential pollution from a broken sewer line remains a health concern. While there are no reported issues with mains supply drinking water, the breach of the main sewage line means the local streams and beach may be contaminated. Precautionary warning signs have been placed near the beach and two local streams while works are carried out to repair the breach.

People are advised not to go near the water and if they come in contact with the water to make sure they wash their hands and follow good hygiene practices. Precautions should also be taken with regards to pets and livestock.

Anyone who gets their drinking water from a private water supply such as a borehole, spring or well which has potentially been covered by floodwater is advised to look out for a change in water quality, such as the water becoming discoloured or there is a change in taste or smell, should assume the water is unsafe to drink unless boiled and should continue to use boiled water for drinking and bathing until the supply has been tested and shown to be safe.

People with private drainage such as septic tank or cess pits are also being advised to have them checked to ensure that they are still operating correctly after the floods.

The Council’s website has useful information on flood recovery www.cornwall.gov.uk/coverack and we will be posting updates specifically about what is happening in Coverack. For further information on the road reconstruction see CORMAC’s Coverack page which will be updated daily.